Obituary of Jean Marie McLalin

Jean M. “Cox” McLalin, 72, of Niles, passed away at Lakeland Hospital of Niles on June 19, 2022. 
On January 3, 1950, Jean was born to the late Frank and Theresa (Regenos) Cox, at the Pawating Hospital of Niles, Michigan. 
From the very start, Jean was a loving, caring, and kind individual who loved nothing more than being surrounded by her friends and family. She didn’t need much to live a happy life but the adventures and memories shared with her loved ones are what kept her spirits so bright throughout her life. Growing up with both of her parents and seven other siblings, Jean understood the significance of family and when the time came for her to be a mother, she gave her absolute best effort to provide, love, and care for her two children. After graduating from Brandywine High School, Jean pursued an associate's degree from Southwestern Michigan College. She was trained in the art of welding and worked tooth and nail to make sure her kids were provided for. She had raised both Paula and David on her own and took tremendous pride in being their mother. In her later years, she would introduce her kids to all of the other residents of the care facility she lived in as if they were her prized possessions. Her heart grew even bigger when her granddaughter, Melody Rose, was born. The relationship between Melody and Jean was special, as Melody was her only grandchild, and the quality time they were able to have was something Jean held very close to her heart. In her leisure time, Jean enjoyed putting puzzles together, listening to music, playing bingo, or watching something interesting on t.v. Before her stroke, Jean was known to get on the dance floor and bring the house down, she also wasn’t afraid to get up and sing karaoke, Prince and Elvis being her two favorite artists. Something that everybody knew about Jean was her love for her siblings. As the second oldest of eight, Jean helped raise her siblings and did her best to sew herself into each of them for the entirety of her life. She took pride in being able to help others and had a way with people that made them feel comforted. Jean had a heart of gold and loved those around her with everything she had. She will be sorely missed by her friends, family, and all those who had the pleasure of knowing her. 
Those preceding Jean in death are her parents, Frank and Theresa (Regenos) Cox; three of her siblings, Frank, John, and Steven; as well as many extended family members. 
Jean is survived by her two loving children, Paula Cox, and David McLalin; her granddaughter, Melody Rose McLalin; four siblings, Susan D. (Eugene) Toth, Michael A. Cox, Danny J. Cox, and Brenda A. (Thomas) Hammond; a host of nieces and nephews; as well as many extended family members and friends. 
No public services for Jean are planned at this time as the family will be celebrating her life at a future date. Per Jean’s wishes, she will be cremated and laid to rest with her mother at Silverbrook Cemetery
Memorial contributions may be made to Jean’s family in the care of Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.